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1. Embedding employability early in the programme – lessons learned from the ITMB degree programme Austen Rainer School of Computer Science Marija Cubric Business School www.herts.ac.uk

2. Aim of the presentation Reflect upon: our experience as programme tutors from the first year of offering the ITMB programme, with particular focus on embedding employability early in the programme, and our experience of the direct involvement of IBM in our teaching activities. the collaborative leadership of the programme, based on mutual respect and focus on students’ experience; and

3. Overview to the degree programme The ITMB programme is a new undergraduate programme, developed collaboratively by Business School and School of Computer Science in conjunction with e-Skills UK. • e-Skills the national Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology, is working on behalf of employers to develop the software, internet, IT services and business change expertise necessary to thrive in today’s global digital economy. It is the first IT undergraduate degree to be designed by some of the largest employers in the industry to provide graduates with the specific skills that the employers believe are essential.

4. We are proud to support the e-skills UK endorsed ITMB Degree (Information Technology Management for Business)

5. Employability – learning objectives The programme’s learning objectives are defined by the major players in IT industry, such as IBM, CISCO, HP etc. and maintained by e-skills The ITMB specification (learning objectives) is continuously revised. Programme endorsement by e-skills UK required in addition to programme validation. Programme re-endorsed every 3 years, based on the latest ITMB specification. UH acts as a ‘provider’ of the ITMB specification (one of 14 UK HEIs). The learning objectives put equal emphasis on the three subject areas (business, project management and computer science) as to the development of professional skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, effective presentations etc.

6. Generic employability activities:Guru lectures Fortnightly ‘Guru lectures’ (12 per year) One hour lectures from domain experts broadcasted (live) from a host University to the other ITMB universities Live lectures enable direct access to industry experts and provide students with a chance to learn directly form them, ask questions, and be part of the UK-wide ITMB community All previous lectures archived and available via e-skills community site

7. Generic employability activities:Networking events Two national ITMB events: November (North) and March (South) Students from all ITMB universities attend Presentations from industry leaders Workshops for students from industry experts Networking with industry leaders (e.g. this year Shell, P&G, IBM, CA etc.) Student team competitions & direct feedback from industry experts

8. Example team competition

9. UH specific employability activities:extra IBM involvement Initiated by UH IBM Alumni … Nov 2011 IBM mentors for group projects Support for an assessment Dec 2011 IBM feedback on group presentations Jan 2012 Visit to IBM graduate assessment centre (mock assessment day) May 2012 Visit to IBM career centre (CV writing workshop)

10. Generic employability activities:Placements & internships Placement opportunities advertised by e-skills (specifically aimed at ITMB students) Placement highly encouraged as an opportunity to learn what you want to do, but also,what you do not want to do in future 3 UH students applied for summer internships through South Competition events

11. ITMB employability spectrum (excl. summer placement) ___________ * In the order of decreasing students’ engagement & satisfaction Time spent on related activities

12. UH students’ engagement, satisfaction and performance Attendance/engagement at these events, and comments from student • All students said that they intended to attend the IBM Assessment Day • ~ 50% did attend • Three students have applied for summer internships • One student is trying to set up a commercial opportunity • High level of satisfaction with the ITMB South Event • One team entered the first year competition • Positive feedback from IBM and from e-Skills • Different student behaviours, for example: 25% very keen, 55% okay, 20% not engaging • Performance: pass rate 70%; for these average numeric grade 60 (Semester A only)

13. Lessons Learned • Getting the balance right between academic, taught sessions and voluntary sessions • Barriers to participation • e.g. cost to travel to London, knowing where to go, other commitments • e.g. two – three days of effort to successfully complete the IBM recruitment and selection process • Group effect e.g. students encourage positive and negative behaviour in other students

14. Collaborative leadership - principles Articulating the programme vision, boundaries, and team roles (Highsmith, 2004) Encouraging interaction and information flow between teams (Highsmith, 2004), open information (Augustin, 2005), total transparency and trust (Pixton 2006) Foster Alignment and Cooperation (Augustin, 2005) Simple Rules (focus on students’ experience) (Augustin, 2005) Facilitating participatory decision making (Highsmith, 2004) Insisting on accountability (Highsmith, 2004)

15. Collaborative leadership – practices Collaborative planning and decision making – Via regular meetings (skype or F2F) Collaborative teaching – Every year, one long modules, with teaching contributions from both schools Collaborative projects - E.g. This conference, HEA collaborative bid, BMAF workshop on agile etc.

16. Any questions? Austen Rainer a.w.rainer@herts.ac.uk Marija Cubric m.cubric@herts.ac.uk www.herts.ac.uk